Chartreux and Tom Sudamore jumping the last© Photo Healy Racing
English raider Chartreux paid for his trip across the Irish Sea when enjoying a victory in the Grade B handicap chase over three miles one in Punchestown.
He was left in the lead when Brass Tax fell six out. He was strongly pressed by Grand Jesture at the second last, but stayed on stoutly to win by two lengths at odds of 13/2. He had been popular in morning trading from 8/1 to 11/2.
“This has been the plan for quite a while. He loved the track and Tom gave him a great ride. Before this week we thought he needed it a bit soft. He’s been in training since July so we’ll probably give him a break,” successful handler Tom George said.
Jockey Tom Scudamore said: “He jumped from fence to fence and I was always very happy.”
Grand Jesture at 7s kept on for second, six and a half lengths in front of Heaney the 7/2 favourite.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
